Have a front-row seat for groundhog's arrival

Associated PressIf Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow looking like this, what do you think the prospects for the rest of the winter will be?

It might seem silly to travel 180 miles to central Pennsylvania to stand around freezing while waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to unearth himself and "tell" us how much longer winter will last.

Nonetheless, you are invited to Gobbler's Knob to witness the big event, at around 7:25 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2. At worst, Phil will see his shadow, and there will be six more weeks of winter. Regardless, the town goes all out with four days of festivities, starting Friday, Jan. 30, so you can make a long weekend of your adventure. Among the events are the Super Bowl (on a big screen in a theater) and a Prognosticators Ball on Sunday, Feb. 1, and various entertainers and showings of the movie "Groundhog Day" throughout the festivities. For details, go to www.groundhog.org.

If you don't want to go that far, you can head about 120 miles southwest to Marion, where "Buckeye Chuck" is due to check for his shadow between 6:30 and 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at Clear Channel Marion, 1330 N. Main St. While you're waiting, you can partake of hot beverages and Spam burgers. Call 740-383-1131.

For historical enrichment, head to Historic Fort Steuben in Steubenville, which will have an exhibit on the Underground Railroad in observance of Black History Month. Since Ohio was the gateway to the Northwest Territory and freedom, it was crisscrossed by several Underground Railroad routes.

The exhibit, which runs Monday, Feb. 2, to Friday, Feb. 27, will highlight the travels and travails of those who worked together on the journey to freedom. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the fort's visitor center, 120 S. Third St. The center is closed Saturday and Sunday, and the fort itself is closed for the season. Admission is free. Call 1-866-301-1787 or go to www.oldfortsteuben.com.

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